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Annual Georgia burn ban in effect May 1

From staff reports

Updated:
May 1, 2018, 3:17 p.m.

Georgia's annual ban on outdoor burning begins May 1 and will last through September 30 in 54 counties in the state.

According to a release from the Georgia Forestry Commission, the Georgia Environmental Protection Division puts restrictions in place during
the summer months, when increases in ground level ozone may create health risks.

"From May 1 until September 30, open burning of yard and land-clearing debris is prohibited in
some counties where particulate matter pollutants and chemicals from smoke are more likely to combine
with emissions from vehicles and industrial activities," said Frank Sorrells, chief of protection for the
Georgia Forestry Commission. "Our agencies closely monitor air quality, weather conditions and open
burning for the safety of all Georgians."

May through September is the time of year when people are more likely to be outdoors, according to the release. Higher
levels of ground-level ozone and particle pollution levels are recognized to contribute to human health
concerns and issues.

Residents in Georgia counties not included in the annual burn ban will continue to be required to
secure a burn permit from the Georgia Forestry Commission before burning outdoors.